Business Details
46 Years
experience
Expert Environmental Waste Management Services
Founded in 1980, GemChem has built a legacy of excellence in environmental compliance solutions. Our team of certified professionals specializes in hazardous and residual waste management, transportation, and disposal services across six states. With decades of experience navigating evolving EPA regulations, we provide tailored solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and regulatory adherence. Our PADEP-permitted facility and extensive licensing network enable seamless waste processing for over 300 clients annually. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement, we deliver cost-effective environmental compliance while maintaining rigorous safety standards.Our expertise extends to laboratory waste characterization, universal waste handling, and customized field services that address unique client challenges. Backed by certifications including PA COSTARS membership and DOT compliance, we combine technical proficiency with responsive service. Customer testimonials highlight our ability to adapt to changing needs while maintaining error-free operations and measurable cost savings. From initial consultation to final disposal, our focus remains on creating long-term value through environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
Services
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Lab Pack Services
Waste Transportation
Environmental Field Services
Waste Characterization
Permitting Assistance
Universal Waste Handling
Residual Waste Processing
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized expertise in hazardous waste compliance
- Our team holds 10+ industry-specific certifications including Hazwoper and DOT licenses
- We provide guaranteed error-free manifesting and documentation
- Our adaptive solutions maintain 98% on-time service reliability
- We implement EPA-compliant waste characterization processes with 100% accuracy
Associations and certifications
- PA COSTARS Program
- PADEP Approved Hazardous Waste 10-Day In-Transit Storage Facility
- PA Hazardous Waste Transporter License #PA-AH0259
- DE Solid Waste Transporter Permit #DE-SW-0983
- MD Controlled Substance Hauler #HWH 572
What people say
Great asset to our company
Improved compliance outcomes
On-time service reliability
Expert waste characterization
Mistake-free operations
Services
Hazardous Waste Disposal
GemChem provides comprehensive hazardous waste disposal solutions through our PADEP-permitted facility. Our certified technicians handle ignitable, corrosive, reactive, and toxic materials following strict EPA and DOT regulations. We offer complete waste characterization, packaging, and disposal services for industrial, educational, and commercial clients.
Lab Pack Services
Our specialized lab pack services address small-container chemical waste from educational and industrial laboratories. Certified professionals identify, label, and package materials under 5 gallons using EPA-compliant methods. We supply all necessary containment materials and ensure proper disposal documentation.
Waste Transportation
GemChem offers licensed transportation for hazardous and non-hazardous waste across six states. Our DOT-certified drivers utilize manifest tracking systems and maintain proper placarding for safe transport. Services include bulk tanker shipments, vacuum truck operations, and containerized waste movement with full regulatory compliance.
Environmental Field Services
Our certified environmental professionals provide on-site assessments and compliance solutions tailored to client operations. Services include waste stream analysis, regulatory reporting, and customized disposal plans that address specific environmental challenges while maintaining federal and state standards.
Waste Characterization
GemChem's experts develop comprehensive waste management plans through detailed material characterization. We analyze chemical compositions, determine proper classifications, and create disposal strategies that ensure regulatory compliance while optimizing cost efficiency for industrial and commercial operations.
People
Gordon Young
President/Partner
Environmental industry leader with 25+ years experience. Certified Environmental Inspector and Hazwoper specialist. Manages operations, client relations, and regulatory compliance. Active in community emergency response and youth sports coaching.
Suzie Young
Vice President/Partner
Environmental safety expert with 30+ years experience. Former safety manager for manufacturing facilities. Oversees administrative operations and personnel management. Holds bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety & Health Management.
Ben Shelley
Maritime Security Advisor
Former US Coast Guard specialist with maritime security expertise. Certified container inspector and pollution investigator. Handles maritime consulting, training, and laboratory waste operations with 15+ years in environmental services.
Bethany Leister
Finance Manager
Certified Public Accountant with 20+ years financial management experience. Former accounting analyst for manufacturing firms. Oversees all financial operations and accounting processes for the company.
Chris Miller
Transportation Specialist
Class A CDL driver with Haz-Mat endorsements. 10+ years transportation experience including beverage distribution. Certified forklift operator and hazardous waste handler with specialized safety training.
Questions
What types of waste does GemChem handle?
We manage hazardous, non-hazardous, universal, and residual waste including laboratory chemicals, industrial byproducts, and controlled substances.
Which states do you service for waste transportation?
Our licensed operations cover Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia with full regulatory compliance.
How do you ensure proper waste classification?
Our certified technicians perform detailed material analysis and characterization following EPA guidelines to ensure accurate waste categorization.
What certifications does GemChem hold?
We maintain PA COSTARS membership, PADEP permits, DOT transportation licenses, and multiple safety certifications including Hazwoper and CPR.
Can you handle emergency waste situations?
While we don't offer 24/7 emergency services, we prioritize urgent requests through our standard scheduling system for timely resolution.
How do you ensure compliance with environmental regulations?
Our team stays current with evolving EPA standards through continuous training and implements strict documentation processes for complete regulatory adherence.
